Page 85 - SST Class 03

Sometimes, a fire broke out in the forest

by heat waves or by lightning. In the
beginning, he was scared of the fire. He
found that it gave light and heat.

Animals also kept away from it. Now, he
kept such a fire alighted by adding wood

to it. This was the stage when Early Man
,
was a wanderer hunter and gatherer .
That is, he wandered from one place to

another, hunted animals and gathered
food.

One day, Early Man was making stone tools. He found that a spark was

caused when one stone struck another. One day, this spark resulted into a
fire when it burnt some dry tree leaves. This was how he learnt how to

make a fire. Now, he could light a fire whenever he needed it. This was how
he discovered fire.

One day, Early Man was eating the flesh of an animal sitting near a fire.

Suddenly, a piece of flesh fell in it. He took it out and tasted it. This roasted
piece had become softer and tastier. This was how he knew that fire could

be used to cook food.

Early Man stored water in big stone pots, but they were so heavy. He
noticed that the ground where a fire was lighted became hard. This gave

him an idea. He made an earthen pot and heated it. He found that it was
quite strong. It could store water and other things. This was how he learnt
to make pottery.

Discovery of Fire 85